Chicken in yogurt and curry sauce

Chicken in yogurt and curry sauce – A captivating recipe for moments of culinary indulgence

If you are looking for a quick and delicious recipe that brings a touch of exoticism to your table, then chicken in yogurt and curry sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of curry with a creamy yogurt sauce, transforming chicken breast into a juicy and flavorful dish. Over time, influences from various cultures have enriched cooking with sauces and spices, and curry is undoubtedly one of the most popular. Preparing chicken in this sauce is not only simple but also very versatile, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and sides.

Useful details:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 3 hours (ideally left overnight)
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total: 3 hours and 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 800 g chicken breast (3 boneless pieces)
- 200 ml kefir
- 400 ml yogurt
- 50 ml olive oil (plus extra for frying)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon chopped chili (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons curry (to preference)

Necessary tools:
- A large bowl for marinating
- A fine grater
- A non-stick frying pan
- A heat-resistant glass dish
- A pot for boiling rice
- Ice cream molds for garnish

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast in half lengthwise to get thinner fillets. Wash them well and dry them with paper towels. This step is essential to allow the marinade to adhere well to the meat.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large bowl, add the kefir, yogurt, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chili, salt, pepper, and curry. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and creamy sauce. Here you can adjust the amount of curry depending on how spicy you want the sauce.

3. Marinating: Add the chicken fillets to the bowl with the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.

4. Frying the chicken: After the marinating time, remove the chicken from the sauce and gently wipe off the excess marinade. In a non-stick frying pan, heat a little olive oil and brown each piece of chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes until golden. Make sure you have a large enough pan to fry all the pieces at once; otherwise, you may end up with caramelized sauce.

5. Baking the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a heat-resistant glass dish, pour the remaining sauce over it, and cover everything with aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the chicken for 20 minutes. This step will allow the ingredients to combine perfectly and develop a rich flavor.

6. Preparing the side dish: Meanwhile, you can prepare the side dish. Boil a cup of rice with a little curry until all the water evaporates and the rice is cooked. Once ready, add two tablespoons of grated cheese (feta or parmesan, depending on preference) and mix well. You can use oiled ice cream molds to shape the rice nicely.

7. Vegetables: Cut two carrots and two red bell peppers into cubes and steam them. After they are cooked, add a 400 g can of peas and 200 g of sweet corn. Heat the mixture, but there is no need to fry it in butter, as the chicken will bring enough fat.

8. Serving: Serve the chicken warm, with the rice side and colorful vegetables. You can also add some fresh parsley leaves for a more appetizing look.

Tips and variations:
- If you like, you can add a few slices of lemon over the chicken before baking for a more tangy flavor.
- Experiment with different types of curry, such as sweet curry or green curry, to vary the flavors.
- Instead of yogurt, you can use sour cream for a richer texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and yogurt and kefir provide beneficial probiotics for digestion. The added vegetables complete this dish with essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

FAQs:
- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even fish, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add more chili to the sauce or use extra spicy curry.
- What is the best way to store leftover chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

This recipe for chicken in yogurt and curry sauce is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. With every bite, you will feel the richness of flavors and the juicy texture of the meat. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent with them! Enjoy your meal!